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10 of the Best Compact Luxury Cars

CR
by Colin Ryan
February 8, 2017
4 min. Reading Time
2015 Mercedes Benz C Class Sedan ・  Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2015 Mercedes Benz C Class Sedan ・ Photo by Mercedes-Benz

The lesson from this compilation of 10 of the best compact luxury cars is that high class doesn’t always have to come with huge dimensions. Because they’re smaller and therefore more affordable, these cars bring fresh technology, smart design, plush materials and well-tuned suspensions to a greater section of the driving public. A few of them are perennial best-sellers for their companies. Although some manufacturers have models smaller than these, we’re defining “compact” in line with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The exception is the Alfa Romeo Giulia, which is classified as a midsize but still competes in the compact arena. However, each car crams a ton of talent, quality and desirability between its headlights and taillights.

2017 Acura TLX

Apart from the obvious upsides, such as superb build quality and reliability, the TLX sedan manages to provide generous equipment  and useful space at a competitive price. If the exterior design is a tad forgettable, that suits some people who prefer not to call attention to themselves. They will appreciate the great seats, super-quiet cabin and high-quality materials. However, the TLX is nowhere near Yawnsville. The entry level 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine generates a useful 206 hp, and has the added advantage of being lighter than the 290-hp 3.5-liter V6. So a version with the 2.4 feels a little more sprightly and keener to respond to steering inputs. Ultimately, any TLX is a good choice.

 Photo by Acura

Photo by Acura

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia

“Lusso” is Italian for luxury. And also the name of an options package for this all-new premium compact sedan. The high-performance Quadrifoglio version has already launched, but now comes the regular model that should interest the buyer who prefers greater comfort and more reasonable fuel bills. However, there’s still 280 hp from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine (a configuration that’s becoming increasingly popular because of its efficiency). Plus a chassis that does its fair share of romancing with its suppleness and agility. It’s possibly a brave move to go for a brand unproven in the United States over, say, a BMW, but the rear-drive Giulia certainly won’t be as ubiquitous. And it looks (arguably) gorgeous.

 Photo by Alfa Romeo

Photo by Alfa Romeo

2017 Audi A4

An all-new generation debuts for the 2017 model year, so it’s packed with state-of-the-art technology. And anyone who has previously passed on an A4 because of space for rear passengers needs to re-think this time around. One tech highlight is the optional Virtual Cockpit which turns the instrument cluster into a futuristic screen — showing Google Earth images if required. This new car offers some semi-autonomous functions, like assistance in stop-and-go traffic and self-parking. But the basics are also perfected, with a superb ride quality, composed handling, efficient engines, crashworthiness, stowage spaces, passenger comfort, and typically polished Audi design. There are some great cars in this class — the A4 is one of the greatest.

 Photo by Audi

Photo by Audi

2017 BMW 3 Series

Ask most people to name a compact luxury sedan and they will probably say, “BMW 3 Series.” That’s how deeply embedded into our collective consciousness the 3 has become. Rightly so. It has been a beacon and a benchmark since the first generation debuted in the mid-1970s. Some have bemoaned a recent leaning toward comfort over sportiness, but that merely makes it more luxurious. The range is comprehensive, from a diesel-powered wagon to the thrill-a-second M3 via a plug-in hybrid. Something from the middle of that spectrum, like a 330i, still has the talent to satisfy most people most of the time. The 4 Series coupe and convertible, based on the same platform, are also fine machines.

 Photo by BMW

Photo by BMW

2017 Cadillac ATS

Although Cadillac is traditionally renowned for luxury, recent years have also seen it gain the respect of drivers who like their trips to include some spirit and gusto. The ATS continues this modern theme, bringing it into the compact luxury car realm. Even its base engine, a 2.0-liter turbo four, makes 272 hp. That’s better than a C300 Benz (241 hp) or BMW 330i (248 hp). Although German contenders have usually dominated this class, the competition from Cadillac and others becomes stronger by the year. The result is that some of the absolute best cars are compact luxury sedans and the ultimate winner is the buyer. The ATS has all the dynamics, comfort, equipment and style to challenge the mighty Europeans.

 Photo by General Motors

Photo by General Motors

2017 Infiniti Q50

At last, Infiniti achieves the refinement to go with its expertise in dynamics. The Q50 is also relatively spacious (sized to fit between a BMW 3 Series and 5 Series, for example). And for most people, the styling will be another plus point. Every engine offers some decent muscle, but the star of that show is the 400-hp twin-turbo V6 in the Red Sport version. Infiniti knows how to make a car handle and this engine exploits that expertise. Elsewhere in the car, the cabin is full of quality materials and the features on offer are up-to-the-minute. Just one thing to avoid, the optional steer-by-wire system (DAS) is an intriguing idea, but it’s missing the right feel.

 Photo by Infiniti

Photo by Infiniti

2017 Jaguar XE

Prepare for strangers to approach and ask what your car is, if you own an XE. It has the sort of styling that inspires conversation and compliments. Which is one of the XE’s many attributes. Since we’re talking best compact luxury cars, the choicest XE has the 340-hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6, providing the kind of effortless power we associate with luxury cars in general and Jaguars in particular — yet also with the occasional rebellious exhaust snarl. The whole range enjoys a superb chassis characterized by a sinewy suppleness. And among the equipment choices is all-wheel drive. The default setup is enthusiast-approved rear-wheel drive, but don’t for one second think that the XE is too driver-centric.

 Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

Photo by Jaguar Land Rover

2017 Lexus IS

Updated for the 2017 model year, the IS continues to provide solid reliability and build quality. Take a German rival and kit it out with all the options that come standard in the IS and the bottom line would inflate considerably. For example, an array of advanced safety systems is now in every IS. The core Lexus character has always been refinement over excitement, but this sedan can still deliver a thrill or two in the right circumstances, especially with the 306-hp V6 engine in the IS 350. It’s also worth budgeting for the optional Mark Levinson audio system as well (part of a package with navigation), because it really does sound terrific.

 Photo by Lexus

Photo by Lexus

2017 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Think in terms of the plush S-Class flagship, only smaller. As well as a sleek and well-equipped sedan, there are convertible and coupe body styles, all sporting high-performance C63 AMG versions, along with happy-medium-performance in C43 AMG models. A plug-in hybrid is also coming later in 2017. This is one of the few contenders to offer an optional air suspension. Go for it. The cost really isn’t that much in the grand scheme of things and the range from cosseting to concentrated is remarkable. Naturally, safety features are top-notch, including traffic jam assistance and pedestrian detection. It will even read road signs. The C-Class is a best-seller for many reasons.

 Photo by Mercedes-Benz

Photo by Mercedes-Benz

2017 Volvo S60

Despite being around for some time, the regular S60 is undoubtedly worthy of inclusion among these 10 best luxury compact cars. But Volvo has a special variant up its metaphorical sleeve. The Inscription model offers an extra 3.4 inches of rear legroom over the already quite generous 33.5 inches. The base model now has the option of all-wheel drive, there’s a high-performance Polestar version with a punchy 362 hp, the S60 is a champ in the safety stakes, and don’t forget that Volvo has some of the most comfortable and supportive seats of any car manufacturer. The entry level engine is a turbocharged 2.0 4-cylinder (240 hp); the more powerful option is turbocharged and supercharged to make 302 hp.

 Photo by Volvo

Photo by Volvo


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